Cher’s Record of the Year Fumble Is Unexpected Moment of Grammys

Nobody was more surprised by the record of the year winner at the 2026 Grammys than Cher, who presented the award.

But before she announced the award came a series of funny, unscripted moments.

First, Cher wrapped up an inspirational speech for a lifetime achievement award. At first, she tried to leave the stage. “I guess I’m supposed to walk off now,” she said, then turned around.

Host Trevor Noah proceeded to beckon her back onstage to present record of the year. “Before you go, Cher, could I get you to announce the nominees? I could do it but it’s not the same. I don’t have the track record,” he said.

Cher laughed and returned to the mic.

After she presented, Cher seemed to forget to open the envelope. “And the Grammy goes to,” then paused to look at a teleprompter. Then she turned to the screen behind her.

“Oh,” she laughed. “They told me it was going to be on the prompter.”

Finally, she opened the envelope and excitedly said, “The Grammy goes to…Luther Gandross!”

She appeared to be saying Luther Vandross, but said Gandross.

The camera then panned to Kendrick Lamar, who was nominated along with SZA for the song “Luther.” He seemed to confirm he was, indeed, the recipient of the song.

Then Cher shouted, “Kendrick, no! Kendrick Lamar!’

The song “Luther” is titled after the late R&B and soul singer Luther Vandross, and samples his song “If This World Were Mine.” Vandross died in 2005.

Lamar echoed the moment in his speech, “This is what music is about. Luther Vandross.” He turned to Cher and chuckled. The audience laughed, too.

The moment — or rather series of moments — caught the attention of Grammys viewers, who recapped it on social media with delight.

“Cher left the Grammy stage, got dragged back on, read the nominees, and then was so happy to give the award to…Luther GANDROSS!!! This is the lost and confused I’m aspiring to when I’m 80!!” one X user wrote.

“Cher ecstatically saying Luther Vandross has beautiful depth to it. Incredible,” another said.

“Luther Gandross yall,” another said.

This became Luther Vandross’ moment: “THANK YOU TO THE LATE, GREAT LUTHER VANDROSS!”

Lamar had already won earlier in the evening for best rap album.